Basilone: Marine Corps Legend & American Hero DVD

Based on the book by Jerry Cutter "... not without my boys", it tells of the life and legend of one of the Marine Corps' greatest heroes, "Manila John" Basilone. A World War II Marine Corps hero, John Basilone was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on Guadalcanal in October 1942. His Medal of Honor citation credited him with the "virtual annihilation" of a Japanese regiment. He was sent home, as was customary with medal winners, and put on a war bond tour with Hollywood starlets, then assigned to guard duty at the Washington Navy Yard. But the safe assignments depressed him. After turning down movie and boxing contracts, he pushed to be sent back into action. He got his wish and on February 19, 1945 on the black sand of Iwo Jima, Gunnery Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone once again distinguished himself in battle. For his actions this day he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. He is the only enlisted Marine in WW II to receive the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart. Also, included in this DVD is the rare color program produced by combat camera crews in 1945, To the Shores of Iwo Jima.